Duterte Stays in The Hague: ICC Keeps Him Detained for Another Year
The ICC says Rodrigo Duterte still does not qualify for temporary liberty as his crimes against humanity trial moves forward.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte will remain detained at The Hague for another year after the International Criminal Court’s Trial Chamber III ruled that he still does not qualify for temporary liberty.
According to Rappler, the ICC chamber said in an eight-page decision on Friday, May 22, that there was “no notable change in circumstances” that would justify Duterte’s release, whether with or without conditions. The court conducts a yearly review to determine if continued detention remains warranted for an accused person.
The chamber pointed to the confirmation of charges against Duterte in April, saying it was not a reason to release him but a factor that supports continued detention. The ICC said its jurisprudence treats the confirmation of charges as increasing the risk that an accused may flee, especially now that Duterte is set to face trial over three counts of crimes against humanity.
Duterte’s lawyers also raised his health condition, claiming he had experienced frequent falls caused by loss of balance. But the chamber, citing reports from three ICC-appointed medical experts, said there was no information showing that his detention should be modified on health grounds.
The court also cited Duterte’s absence from his confirmation of charges hearing, his refusal to recognize ICC jurisdiction, his continued influence, access to resources, and contacts in the Philippines as reasons for concern. A first status conference in the case is scheduled for May 27, but Duterte waived his right to appear, while the agenda includes trial timing, evidence issues, witness arrangements, and languages to be used. Source: Rappler
